Electronic Flight Plan Editing System for Aircraft Data Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manual methods for recording and comparing flight plan parameters on paper are cumbersome, distracting for pilots, and inefficient, leading to longer turnaround times between flights and increased preparation time.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus that displays projected flight plan parameters associated with waypoints, allows user input for actual parameters, and shows variances on a map, reducing pilot workload and automating data recording and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual paper recording of flight plan parameters is used, then simplicity of the system is maintained, but pilot workload increases and time efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilot workloadVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual writing and comparison process with an electronic system that automatically displays projected parameters, captures actual parameters through user input, and calculates variances between the two sets of parameters, thereby reducing pilot workload while managing system complexity through digital automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically comparing projected and actual flight plan parameters to identify variances, eliminating the need for manual comparison processes and allowing pilots to focus on other critical flight tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual comparison of flight plan parameters is performed, then data processing simplicity is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight preparation efficiencyVSAvoidturnaround time between flights

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual data processing with automated electronic comparison of flight plan parameters, where the system calculates variances between projected and actual parameters, significantly reducing the time required for flight preparation and post-flight analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by displaying projected flight plan parameters before the flight occurs, allowing pilots to prepare in advance and quickly compare against actual parameters after the flight, thereby reducing overall turnaround time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual recording of actual flight parameters is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but data accuracy and comparison efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter comparison accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual parameter recording and comparison with an electronic system that captures actual parameters through user input, automatically compares them with projected parameters, and identifies variances with precision and consistency, improving measurement accuracy while managing data processing complexity through structured electronic procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8027786B2Method and apparatus for editing electronic flight plans

Publication Date: 2011.09.27 BOEING DIGITAL SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing a flight plan for an aircraft. A set of projected flight plan parameters are displayed associated with a waypoint presented on a display of an aircraft data processing system. User input is received to form a set of actual flight plan parameters. A set of variances between the set of projected flight plan parameters and the set of actual flight plan parameters is displayed on a map in association with the waypoint.